Lock



Jan. 12, 1937. K. ERNST 2,067,383

LOCK

Filed Dec. 18, 1934 3 Sheets-S1166?I l fi/MII Jan. 12, 1937.

C. K. ERNST LOCK Filed Dec. 18, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 ff ff'.

Patented Jan. I2, 1937 .UNITED STATES i PATENT .oF-Fics 5 Claims.

This invention relates -to improvements in safes The objects of this invention are to provide a safe of this kind with means for preventing the blowing up of the safe by means of a liquid explosive; also to provide a safe with a dial or lock operating device which may be removed from the safe, and in which means are provided to close or stop the hole or'passage through which the lock operating device actuates the lock, so that the insertion of other lock operating means through the hole or passage is prevented; also to provide a safe in which an outer closing device is provided which must be opened by means of a key or other unlockingv means before the main lock of the safe is rendered accessible and to so construct the safe that the breaking of the lock for the outer closing device will not result in the opening of this device; also to provide a safe in which the main lock comprises a plurality of bolts actuated from a single locking device; also to provide a safe of this kind which may be secured to a floor or foundation of a building in which it is located so that it cannot be detached from the floor without first opening the safe; also to provide a safe of the kind having a small tube, through which valuables may be deposited in the safe without opening the safe, with means for llocking said tube to prevent access to the valuables compartment therethrough; also to provide a safe of this kind with a wall having a space formed therein filled with a substance which,

- when exposed, will produce fumes such as to repel the thief or thieves; also to improve the construction of safes of this kind in other respects hereinafter specified.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a safe embodying this invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof on an enlarged scale and with the outer locking device removed.

Fig. 3 is a vertical central sectional elevation thereof.

Fig. i is afragmentary sectional elevation on a still larger scale on line 4 4, Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the removable member of the safe showing partly in section the means for closing the tube through which valuables may be deposited in the safe while the same is locked. l

Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional plan views, on line 1-1, Fig. 9, with certain parts indifferent positions. and with the detachable member of the column lock actuating means omitted in Fig. 6.

(Cl. 'I0-31) Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the columnlock 'actuating device of the safe.

Fig. 9 is an elevation, partly in section, showing the lock actuating 'device being positioned into its operative relation to the removable column of the safe.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the portion of the column on which the lock is mounted.

Fig. l1 is a sectional plan view thereof, on line II-II, Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a similar view showing the parts in different positions.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional elevation on an enlarged scale showing a plunger for moving the outer locking means of the safe into open position when unlocked.

Fig. 14 is a sectional elevationI of a sump or receptacle into which liquid explosive may now, and which is-adjacent to a weakened portion of Ythe outer wall of the safe.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary central sectional elevation of the middle portion of the removable member or column of the safe, showing the conn ection between the locking device and the actuating mechanisxn therefor.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional elevation on an enlarged scale, on line l6.|6, Fig. 3.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional elevation thereof on line I'l-I'I, Fig. 16.

'I'he safe forming the subject matter of this application is of a type similar to that shown in my Patents Nos. 1,954,667 and 1,954,668, but in the particular form shown, the safe, instead of being arranged in the ground or below a cellar or foundation floor, or in a mass lof concrete The safe shown also includes the usual inner space for valuables, which may have a lining or shell I8, and which preferably terminates near its upper end in an enlarged space I9 within which a locking or lock actuating device for the valuables compartment is located, and in which some valuables may also be stored. This enlarged space or compartment I9 is provided with a bottom wall 20 and upright or side walls 2| terminating at the upper plate or head 22 of the safe. A similar plate 23 may be used at the lower end of the safe. 25 represents the removable inner member or column of the safe which is slidable into and out of the inner space of the safe, and which may be'locked to a stationary or xed portion of the safe in any suitable manner. A valuables compartment 21 may be secured to the lower end of this removable member or column 25, or the valuables compartment may be separate from the column so as to be removable by means of a rod or hook, or if desired, a plurality of valuables compartments may be provided, as shown in my Patent No. 1,954,668. In the particular construction shown, the valuables compartment is provided with a hole or aperture 28 in the side thereof and a Ans circuitous drop tube or duct 29 preferably terminates at its lower end opposite this opening while the upper end of this tube terminates in an aperture in the base plate 20 of the compartment I9. It will, of course, be understood that if desired this tube may be entirely omitted.

The upper compartment I9 of the safe is preferably closed by means of a closing device which is so formed as to prevent the dropping or pouring of liquid explosive, such for example as nitroglycerine, into the interior of the safe, through crevices or openings in the safe. Any suitable device may be employed for this purpose, and in the construction shown a closing plate, door or slide 3| is provided which preferably has a close t with the topv plate 22 of the safe, and which is provided at its sides with channelled or grooved edges 32 which intert with correspondingly shaped tongues in the top plate 22. This arrangement, if the tongues or grooves intert snugly, will prevent liquid explosive from flowing from the top of the plate into the interior of the outer compartment I9, and if the tongues and grooves fit loosely, as will happen if the slide has become worn, then the troughs or grooves will conduct the liquid to the front ends thereof, from where it will be discharged on the outside of the safe, so that the ignition of such explosivevwill not open the safe. The inner end of the closing slide 3| preferably has a rabbeted fit with the top plate 22 of the safe and the front or outer edge of the slide 3| extends over the wall of the safe to such an extent that liquid cannot be poured through the horizontal space 'between the slide and the safe wall. Any other means for preventing the pouring of liquid explosive into the compartment`|9 or into the interior of thesafe may be provided, if desired.

- The slide 3| is preferably held in closed position by means of a locking device operable by a key or a tumbler operated combination lock. In the construction shown, a key operated lock 35 is illustrated, which may be of any suitable or usual construction, and which is arranged within the space I9 in the upper end of the safe. The key (not shown) for the lock may be inserted into a tubular extension 36 of the lock to actuate this lock in vthe usual manner. In order, however, to prevent damage to the lock from enabling a thief to obtain access to the compartment I 9, I preferably arrange the lock so that it actuates a second locking member which is removably connected with the lock so that the breaking of the lock or the driving of the lock inwardly by blows on the tubular part 36 will not release the closing plate or slide 3|. In the construction shown for lthis purpose a vertically slidable locking bolt or plate 38 is provided which extends' substantially throughout the width of the compartment I9 and the opposite sides of which are slidably arranged in guides 39. The locking slide 38 is adapted to extend into a recess 40 arranged near the front edge of the slide 3| and extending substantially throughout the width of the same, thus forming a very secure lock for the slide and which prevents any implement from being inserted between the front end of the slide 3| and the outer wall of the safe.y The locking bolt 38 is preferably urged upwardly into its locking position independently of the lock 35, and in the construction shown for this purpose, springs 4| are shown, the upper endsof which engage the locking bolt 38 and the lower ends ,of which bear on brackets or supports 42 suitably arranged within the compartment I9. The lock 35 has a bolt 43 which may be connected with the main locking bolt.38 in'any suitable or desired manner, and in the construction' shown, the upper end of this bolt is of dove-tailed form and fits into a corresponding recess in the locking slide 38 so that the locking slide and the bolt 43 will move up and down together. Consequently, if the lock is driven inwardly by blows on the tubular portion 36 thereof, the dove-tailed portion 43 will move out of engagement with the corresponding part of the main bolt 38 without releasing this bolt from its locking position. It will also be noted that any other damage to the lock will not release the bolt 38 from its locking position, in which it is held independently of the lock..

Since the outer surfaces of the closing slide 3| for the compartment I9 are preferably entirely smooth `and without a handle or other means for moving it into an open position, means are preferably provided for moving this closing slide into open position when released by the bolt 38. In the construction shown for this purpose, see

Figs. 3 and 13, a spring pressed plunger 45 is lprovided which is pressed outwardly by means of a'spring 46 and engages a portion of the closing slide 3|, such for example as a screw or projection 41 secured thereto. When the closing slide is pushed into its closing position, the spring 46 will be compressed and at the same time the bolt 38, which is continuously urged against the undersurface of the closing slide 3|, will enter into the recess 40. When the compartment I9 is unlocked by withdrawing the bolt 38, the spring 46 will press the plunger 45 outwardly to move the slide a short vdistance in an opening direction, whereupon the slot 40 in the undersurface of the slide will be accessible for pulling the closing slide into wide open position. Since the bolt 38 engages the closing slide substantially across its entire width, a very secure locking of the slide is assured and since the spring 46 urges the slide outwardly or forwardly, this spring will also urge the bolt into Contact with the front wall 2|. of the compartment I9 of the safe, so that the pouring of liquid explosive through the slit or space between the slide and the wall of the safe will be further prevented by the tight fit of the bolt 38 against the wall 2|. Yielding means other than the spring 46 and plunger 45 may, of course, be pro' vT'he closingslide may be of any suitable or desired material but is preferably made of laminated metal, the successive laminations of which are of hard and soft materials, such as hardened The removable inner member or column 25 of the safe is preferablyconstructed substantially as shown in my earlier patents above referred to and includes a plurality of horizontal plates 50 spaced apart by cylindrical spacing members 5I and suitably connected by upright members, such as angle bars 52, which may be arranged at the four corners of the horizontal plates 50. The removable member may be provided at the upper portion thereof, which is located in the compartment I9, with a suitable dial 53 or other means for actuating a lock, and the lock is preferably arranged at a considerable distance below the upper end of the removable member. In the particular construction shown, the lock is arranged below one of the horizontal plates 50 of the inner member and includes the usual housing 54 within which the tumblers or other operating parts (not shown) of the lock may be arranged and from which a locking bolt 55 extends outwardly preferably through a hole or recess in the lining member I8 for locking the inner member of the safe to the housing thereof. Movement may be` imparted tor the tumblers from the dial by means of a shaft or rod contained within a tube 56 extending through the horizontal plates' 5D to the housing 54 of the lock and the actuation of the tumblers in the housing 54 also resultsin actuation of the bolts 55.

In order to more securely lock the inner or removable member of f the safe, additional bolts are preferably provided which may also be shifted by means of the bolt or other movable member 55 of the lock. For this purpose, in the construction shown, I provide a short tube or pipe 58 suitably secured to the inner or removable member and extending horizontally crosswise of the same and provided with cylindrical locking bolts 59 arranged in the opposite end portions of the tube. These bolts are movable inwardly and outwardly with respect to the tube and through apertures 60 in the lining member I8 of the safe. The bolts preferably have longitudinal slots formed in the vinner portions thereof, as indicated at 5l, see Figs. 10 to 12 inclusive, and the tube 58 is providi'fd with a corresponding slot 52. The locking `bolts 59 may be moved inwardly or outwardly by any suitable means connected with the bolt, 55, or other movable member of the lock, and in the construction shown, I provide a connecting slide member having one end connected with the bolt 55, for'example, by means of a pin r post 63. The connecting member, as shown, is bifurcated, having its legs 64 straddling the central'tube 5B of the inner removable member or column, andthe legs 65 also extend through the slots 62 of the tube 58 and the slots 6l of the locking bolts 59. Each of these legs is providedvwith an inclined slot 65 and each bolt 58 has an upright pin 66 secured thereto and extending through the slot l of the bolt and through the inclined slot 65 of the corresponding leg of the connecting member. Consequently, if the bolt 55 is moved to the right in Figs. 11 and 12, the bifurcated member will also move in a similar manner, thus causing the bolts 59 to move outwardly into locking positions as shown in Fig. l1, while movement of the connecting member in the opposite direction will draw the bolts 59 inwardly into their unlocked positions, as shown in Fig. 12. As a result of this construction, the column of the safe is locked at three different places, and the bolts 59 may be of very sturdy construction so as to securely lock the column in the safe. Any other means for actuating additional bolts from the lock of the safe may, of course, be employed if desired.

The lock within the vlock housing 54 may be actuated by any suitable or desired means, such for. example as a key, on an elongated handle which may extend downwardly through the tube 56, as shown and described in my Patent No. 1,954,668. A dial may be employed for actuating the lock, the dial being preferably located in the compartment I9 of the safe, and in cases where the lock is mounted on the column, the dial is preferably also mounted on the upper end of the column. It will be understood, of course, that the column lock may be secured on a fixed part of the safe on the exterior of the column, the arrangement of the lock on the column as shown in the drawings, being, however, preferred because of the convenience of making adjustments or repairs on the lock. If a dial is used, the dial is preferably made removable so that it can be concealed or carriedto anotherV location when the safe is locked. The dial, whether removable or xed, preferably connects with the main or column .lock through a rod extending through the tube 56. This rod is preferably made in several sections, one section 10 being directly connected with the locking mechanism within the housing 54 and the other section 1| is connected with the rotatable knob 12 of the dial 52. A third or intermediate section 13 of the rod is preferably arranged within the tube 55 to connect with both the sections 10 and 1| in any suitable manner. For example, the connecting ends of the sections may be notched or rabbeted, as shown in Figs. 8 and 15, so that an easy intertting of the sections results. The intermediate section may, of course, be omitted, if desired. Consequently, if an attempt on the fpart of thieves to unlock the column results in damage to the intermediate section, this section may later be removed and replaced by a similar part.

The dial 52 and its base portion 11 on which it is rotatably mounted may be constructed inY any suitable manner so as to be removed from the safe.` In order to enable the base 17 and the di'al 52 to be correctly positioned relatively to the lock, the base is provided with one or more downwardly extending posts or pins 18, 19 and 80, which are adapted to enter into apertures formed in the top or cover plate 8| of the column. The upper section 1I of the rod is preferably arranged in a. short tube or guide part 82 secured to the base 1l and extends into position to connect with the intermediate section 13 of the actuating rod for the lock. Consequently, when the dial is in operative position, the lock may be actuated to draw the bolts 59 and 55 inwardly to unlock the column or to move the bolts into their locking positions, and when placing the dial into its operative position, it is necessary to turn the knob 12 thereof so that the upper struction illustrated, there is provided between the upper transverse protecting plate 50 of the column and the top plate 8| thereof, a movable transverse plate 90 pivoted at 9| on the plate 50 and adapted to move over the upper end of the tube 56 containing the lock actuating rod. Immediately above the pivoted plate 90 is a short section 92 of tubing which is secured to the top plate 8| of the column, and the lower end of which is arranged in alinement with the tube 56 but spaced from the upper end of this tube at a distance sufficient to allow the plate 90 to swing between the tubes 92 and 56. The plate 90 is arranged to swing into tube closing position when the dial is removed from the safe and into opening position when the dial is inserted into its operative position on the safe. Any suitable means for accomplishing this result may be employed in the construction illustrated. The plate is yieldingly urged into closing position and is moved into opening position by a part of thel dial. This may be accomplished by means of a spring 93 secured at one 'end to a plate 50 of the column and at its other end to the swinging plate 90 so as to normally swing this plate into a position/across the tube 56 and into contact with a stop 94 suitably secured to the plate 58. The swinging plate 90 also has on one end thereof an upwardly extending projection 95 having an upper inclined or bevelled face 96. The pin or rod 18 extending downwardly from the base 11 of the dial is adapted to engage the inclined face 95 when the dial is'moved into its operative position, and for this purpose may be provided with a corresponding bevel or inclination 91 on the lower face thereof. By means of the engagement of the inclined or beveled face 96 with the pin 18, a swinging of the plate 90 from the position shown in Fig. 6 to that shown in Fig. 7 results, thus utilizing the initial downward movement of the dial for swinging the plate 90 out of its tube closing position, while the remaining downward movement of the dial places the upper section 1I of the connecting rod between the dial and the lock into operative relation to another section of this rod.

During the use of the safe, it in ay be desired to lock the column and to drop valuables or packages from time to time into the valuables compartment through the drop tube 29, in which case the compartment I9 of the safe may be left unlocked, thus exposing the upper end of the drop tube. When the days business is concluded, it is desirable to provide means for locking the drop tube as well as the compartment I9 of the safe, and in the construction shown for this purpose, a locking device is provided, which ds mounted on` the column, and which may be left in a position out of registration with the drop tube when the column is locked and later moved into position to lock or close the drop tube. In the construction shown for this purpose, the upper end of the column which projects above the bottom of the compartment I9 is provided with a projection spaced from a projecting portion of atop plate 8| of the column and a movable tube closing device IOI is pivoted on the projection |00 and top plate 8| in any suitable manner, for example, by means of a pivotpin |02. The closing device for the drop tube may, of course, be movably mounted on the column in any other manner., The outer portion of the closing member IOI is preferably made of inverted cup-shape or hollow cylindrical form and serves as a guide for a plunger |03 which may be moved up and down in this guide. A vspring |04 may be provided for yieldingly urging the plunger |03 downwardly. The plunger is preferably of such size and shape as to enter into the upper end ofthe drop tube 29- when the closing device |0| is moved into a position in which the plunger |03 may move into the drop tube. When the column 25 of thesafe is placed into the safe and locked, the plunger guide |0I may be moved toward one side of the drop tube 29, thus leaving the upper end of the drop tube exposed or open. The lower end of the plunger will then bear against the bottom plate 20 of the compartment I9 and the plunger will be telescoped into its guide. When it is desired to close the drop tube, the plunger guide or closing device is moved to position the plunger over the drop tube, whereupon the plunger will drop into the upper end of this tube. The plunger guide is preferably provided at the lower end thereof with a shoulder |06 adapted to cooperate with a shoulderl |01 on the plunger |03 to limit the extent to which the plunger may move downwardly out of -its guide.

When the drop tube closing device is moved into. position to close the drop tube, it obviously cannot again be moved into opening position without unlocking the column 25 and moving the same outwardly to withdraw the plunger |83 out of the end ofthe drop tube.

The closing slide 3| of the outer compartment I9 of the safe is made to prevent the dropping of liquid explosives into the safe. Further precautions are preferably employed to prevent the blowing up of the safe if by any means a. thief has succeeded in removing the closing slide 3|, or if a robbery occurs while this slide is in its open position. For this purpose, I preferably provide means for draining liquid explosives from the middle portion of the safe to a portion near the outer wall thereof. Preferably the por- Consequently, if the explosive is ignited, the explosion will expend itself by blowing a portion of the outer wall outwardly but will not blow out the column 25. nor render the valuables compartment accessible. A portion of the outer wall immediately adjacent to the sump may also be weakened in any suitable manner, for example, by means of an annular slot ||2 extending partly through the outer wall I5, Fig. 14. Consequently, if liquid explosive is poured into the safe, it will drain into the sump III and if the explosive is ignited, the main charge will be exploded in the sump I which Will result in blowing out the weakened portion of the outerwall I of the sai'e, and thus avoid damage to the main portion of the safe and avoid blowing the column 25 out of the safe.

In order to permit any explosive discharged infto the valuables compartment to drain out of the same, the bottom of this compartment may be provided with one or more small holes or apertures I I4. Other means for discharging liquid explosive from the interior of the safe may be provided in place of those shown. y 4

Means are preferably also provided for repelling thieves attempting to burn through the outer shell or housing of the safe by means of welding or cutting ames or the like, and in the particular construction illustrated, I provide a layer of gas forming material, which is preferably embedded in the concrete or filling material arranged between the outer walls of the safe and the lining member I8. In the particular construction shown, see Fig. 3, a pair of metal cylinders or containers ||5 and ||6 are provided, arranged one within the other and spaced apart to provide between them a space which may be lled with such gas forming material. The cylinders or containers ||5 and ||6 may terminate at the walls of the compartment I9, but otherwise entirely surround the inner column and valuables compartment of the safe. The protective gas forming material may be otherwise arranged in the wall of the safe and may either form a continuous layer around the column'and valuables compartment, or may be so closely spaced as to prevent any one from gaining access to the valuables compartment without encountering one or more masses of the gas forming material. Any suitable material may be employed which is capable of forming or liberating a gas which will repel thieves. For example, sulphur maybe employed, which will become ignited when a flame penetrates through the outer portions of the safe to a suiicient extent to contact with the sulphur. The fumes of sulphur dioxide thus formed will make it impossible for a thief to continue in his attempts to gain access to the safe. Any other gas liberating substance may, of course, be employed in the space between the two cylinders ||5 and ||6, or otherwise arranged in the outer wall of the safe.

It is also desirable to provide means for preventing the carrying off of the safe, in case the same is of a portable type. 'I'his may be accomplished by means of the construction shown in Fig. 3, in which a bolt |20 may be arranged in the iioor of the building in which the safe is located, or which may be embedded in a concrete foundation or oor |2l. The safe is provided in the lower portion thereof with an aperture through which this bolt may pass into the interior of the safe below the valuables compartment 21, and the threadedhpart of this bolt is arranged to extend into the interlr of', the safe. A nut |22 may then be engaged with the threaded`end of the bolt in the interior of the safe so as to secure the safe to the floor through the medium of the bolt |20. 'I'he nut |22 is, of course, only accessible if thev safe is unlocked and the column 25 is removed therefrom. Consequently by means.of this construction, the safe may readily be removed by its owner, if desired, but removal by unauthorized persons is prevented.

|25 represents a bail or handle which may be provided, if desired, to facilitateI the removal of the column from the safe. The bail, as shown, is pivoted on lugs or projections |26 secured to the top plate 8| of the column.

In order to foil any attempts that may be made to sh out valuables from the valuables compartment of the safe by means of a flexible wire or cord with hooks, adhesive or other appliances attached to the end thereof, in the event that the upper end of the circuitous drop tube 29 should be open and accessible, means are preferably provided for stripping such valuables from such lshing appliance when it is attempted to draw such valuables out of the valuables compartment through the drop tube. Any suitable or desired means may be employed for this purpose, and in the construction shown, a series of inwardly projecting teeth or pointed members |21 may be provided, see particularly Figs. 3, 16 and 1'7. These projections or teeth may be formed by bending portions of the metal of the side wall |28 of the valuables compartment inwardly and forming this metal into the shape of teeth or projections, preferably with sharp points so that they will engage any valuables that may adhere to the shing implement and strip them from such implement and cause them to drop back into the valuables compartment. Since these teeth or projections point downwardly and inwardly toward the interior and bottom of the valuables compartment, they will in no way interfere with the dropping of valuables from the drop tube 29 into the valuables compartment.

It is also desirable to provide means for preventing the removal of valuables from the valuables compartment by a fishing implement and by floating the valuables to the top of the valuables compartment above the teeth or projections |21 so that these teeth will not engage the valuables when taken from the compartment to the drop tube by the fishing implement. This might, for example, be done by pouring water into the valuables compartment through the drop tube 29, in which case such valuables as bills and other articles lighter than water would oat tov the top of the valuables compartment from which they might be readily removed by the fishing implement. In order to prevent the removal of valuables in this manner, I preferably provide suitable oat means actuated by liquid poured into the lower end of the safe, and which float means operate to intercept the drop tube 29. Any suitable or desired means may be employed for this purpose. In the construction shown, by way of illustration, I have provided a oat |30, which is arranged adjacent to a side of the inner lining member I8 of the safe, and which is arranged in a guide or container 3| having an aperture |32 in the upper wall thereof through which a rod |33 extends. The lower end of the rod is preferably secured to the oat |30 and the upper end may be arranged to extend across the drop tube 29 when the oat israised by liquid poured into the safe. Any suitable means may be employed for this purpose. In the construction shown, the upper end of the rod |33 is forked, being provided with three prongs or bars |30 which extend through apertures |35 in the drop tube. When the oat is in lowered position as shown in Figs. 3 and 16, the upper ends of the prongs |34 of the fork are withdrawn from the apertures |35 so as not to extend into the drop tube nor interfere in any way with the movement of valuables through the drop tube and, if desired, the apertures |35 may be provided with downwardly extending tubular projections |36. When liquid is poured into the safe the oat |30 is raised so that the prongs |34 will extend upwardly across the drop tube r29, as` shown in Fig. 17, thus barring the passage through the drop tube and preventing the removal of valuables upwardly through the drop tube.

In order to permit Water or other liquid to flow into the interior of the housing or guide I3I in which the float is contained, the valuables rof the direction of sliding movement of said closing member and substantially from side to side thereof, and a locking bolt in the form of a substantially flat plate arranged in said outer compartment and adapted to be moved into said groove for locking said slidable member in closing position and located in contact with a wall of said outer coiiipartment to prevent insertion of anything between said slidable closing member and said wall.

2. A safe'having a compartment closed by a memberslidably arranged on a wall of the safe and having a groove on the inner face thereof extending transversely of the direction of sliding movement of the closing member, a locking bolt in the form of a substantially dat plate arranged to move into said groove, means for yieldingly urging said bolt into locking position in said groove, and a lock for moving said bolt out of said groove into opening position, against the action of said yielding means.

3. A safe having an outer wall provided with an opening therein, a closing device for said opening and slidably arranged relatively to the outer wall of the safe and having its outer sur face substantially flush with said outer wall and having a slot extending into the inner surface thereof adjacent to the outer edge thereof, a bolt in the form of a plate extending substantially throughout the width of said closing device and arranged to extend into said slot, locking means for moving said bolt into unlocking position, and resilient means urging said bolt into locking position in said slot independently of said locking means.

4. In a safe having'an opening in one Wall adjacent to another Wall, a slide for closing said opening and slidably mounted on said first mentionecl wall and having a slot extending crosswise of the direction of sliding movement of said slide and arranged adjacent to said other wall, a bolt in the form of a plate extending substantially throughout the Width of said slidev and movable in a direction substantially parallel to said other wall into and out of engagement with said slot to lock said slide, means for yieldingly urging said bolt into locking position, and a lock for actuating said bolt and detachably connected therewith, whereby, when said lock is moved from its operative position relatively to said bolt, the bolt will remain in locking position.

5. In a safe having an opening in one wall adjacent to another Wall, a slide for closing said opening and slidably mounted on said first mentioned wall and having a slot extending crosswise of the direction of sliding movement of said slide and arranged adjacent to said other wall, a bolt in the form of a plate extending substantially throughout the width of said slide and movable in a direction substantially parallel to said other wall into and out of engagement with said slot to lock said slide, and a lock for moving said bolt into locking position, said bolt extending across the space between said slide and said other wall to prevent the forcing of an implement through said space to pry oi said slide.

CHARLES K. ERNST. 

